2026 Iowa State Fair was Record Setting, History Making

The 2026 Iowa State Fair wasn’t just another great Fair, it was a record-setting, history-making, 11-day celebration of everything that makes Iowa, Iowa. From record-breaking attendance and packed Grandstand shows to livestock milestones, new food favorites, championship performances and celebrations of America’s 250th anniversary, the Fair brought the energy, traditions and unmistakable Fair Spirit in a way we’ve never seen before.

In 2026, the records didn’t just break. They were shattered all over the Fairgrounds. Single-day attendance records. Multiple-day attendance records. An all-time attendance record. Grandstand attendance records. Competition and livestock records and record-breaking fundraising.

Among the record-breaking memories:

Attendance: New single-day, multiple-day and all-time attendance records were set during the 11-day Fair.
o   Aug. 16- First Sunday attendance record with 123,140
o    Aug. 17- Monday attendance record with 111,159
o    Aug. 21- Second Friday attendance record with 114,256
o    Aug. 22- Second Saturday attendance record AND largest all-time one-day attendance record with 130,654
o    Overall Fair Attendance record with 1,218,834 topping the previous record of 1,182,682 in 2024
Grandstand: Lainey Wilson drew a sold-out crowd of 17,360 on August 16, setting a new Iowa State Fair Grandstand attendance record and surpassing the previous record of 17,320 set by Chris Stapleton in 2021.
o    Overall Grandstand attendance record set at 132,014 even with a cancellation by Rod Stewart and special guest Richard Marx.
Livestock: “Big Bad Joe” set a new Iowa State Fair Biggest Ram record at an impressive 568 pounds.
Sale of Champions: The 2026 Sale of Champions set a new sale record, totaling $734,000, as well as new record prices across multiple species including FFA Grand Champion Market Lamb, Grand Champion 4-H Meat Goat, Grand Champion 4-H Market Broilers and Grand Champion FFA Market Hog, benefitting the Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement scholarship fund. 
Woodcarver’s Auction: The woodcarver’s auction to benefit the Blue Ribbon Foundation on the last day of the Fair crushed the previous record of $79,137 in 2022 with a new record sale total of $96,046 raised in 2026. 

But records were only part of what made the 2026 Fair unforgettable.

The Fair also celebrated beloved traditions and milestone anniversaries. Fairgoers marked 20 years of Sarah Pratt as the iconic butter cow sculptor, 100 years of the Fair’s famous hog calling contest and the DNR Aquarium, 20 years of the Hot Beef Sundae at Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters and the Heritage Farm Awards, and 50 years of the Century Award from the Iowa Department of Agriculture. 

Celebrating 250 Years of American Spirit

Fairgoers celebrated America’s 250th anniversary throughout the Fair with special exhibits and displays including the “Spirit of ’76 – Iowa Celebrates America250!” exhibit, the 250 Years of the American Flag display and the Iowa Veterans Memorial Walkway, along with patriotic competitions, commemorative artwork and nightly drone shows.
The celebration even inspired a patriotic-powered giveaway on Sunday, August 16, when the Iowa Pork Producers Association gave away 1,776 pork chops in just 99 minutes, serving up a delicious tribute to America250.

80+ New Foods and Plenty of Fair Favorites

With more than 80 new foods to try, competition for the coveted People’s Choice Best New Food title was fierce. After 15,954 Fairgoers cast their votes, the Porky Parm Gnocchi from Destination Grille claimed the 2026 title.

The new drinks brought plenty of Fair Spirit to the competition as well, with Fairgoers voting on both alcohol-free and alcohol entries in the Official Iowa State Fair App. The Best New Drink with alcohol ended in a tie between The Depot’s Sour Batch Buddies Watermelon and JR’s Cotton Rocket Cooler, while The Depot’s Fizz Depot’s Stars, Stripes & S’mores earned Best New Drink (alcohol-free).

Iowa’s Top Talent

The next generation of entertainers took center stage during the beloved Bill Riley Talent Search. After weeks of preliminary competition and standout performances on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage, Caleb Meiners of Ottumwa was crowned the 2026 Bill Riley Talent Search champion, winning a $10,000 prize.

The 2026 Iowa State Fair may be over, but the records and the memories will last much longer. As final numbers continue to come in, there’s still more to celebrate from a truly historic 11 days of Fair Spirit.

The countdown to 2027 is already underway! The Iowa State Fair returns August 12-22, 2027. Stay tuned for the announcement of the 2027 Fair theme and mark your calendars for Iowa’s greatest celebration because Nothing Compares.

Six Iowa County Fair Nominees Honored with 2026 Heart of the County Fair Award

Award Presented by Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network and Wyffels Hybrids Recognizes Outstanding Service to Local County Fairs in Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network, in partnership with Wyffels Hybrids and the Iowa State Fair, is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Heart of the County Fair Award, recognizing individuals and families who make extraordinary contributions to the success and vitality of Iowa’s county fairs.

The Heart of the County Fair Award was created to honor those whose dedication, leadership, volunteerism, and passion help strengthen the traditions and community spirit that make county fairs such an important part of rural Iowa.

“This award recognizes the people who often work behind the scenes, investing countless hours to ensure their county fair remains a place where youth can learn, families can gather, and communities can celebrate agriculture,” said Russ Parker, Operations Manager and owner of the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network. “These individuals and families truly represent the heart of Iowa’s county fair tradition.”

The 2026 Heart of the County Fair Award recipients include:

Northwest District

Candice Farrer, Plymouth County Fair

Northeast District

Dana Strendel, Big 4 County Fair

Southeast District

Richard Coussens, Mississippi Valley Fair

South Central District

The Justin Rozenboom Family, Monroe County Fair

Southwest District

Gerald Sychra, Adair County Fair

North Central District

Wade and Pam Kahler, Story County Fair

Recipients were selected from nominations submitted by their peers based on their demonstrated commitment to supporting and enhancing their local county fairs through volunteer service, leadership, mentorship, community involvement, and dedication to preserving Iowa’s rich fair tradition.

“County fairs thrive because of individuals and families who willingly give their time, talents, and energy to create meaningful experiences for exhibitors, fairgoers, and communities,” said Trista Thompson, Manager of Brand Marketing for Wyffels Hybrids. “We are honored to help recognize these outstanding Iowans and the impact they have on future generations.”

Award recipients will be recognized locally during their respective county fairs and will also be honored during County Fair Day at the Iowa State Fair on August 14. Each recipient will receive a commemorative plaque, a cash award, Iowa State Fair admission tickets, VIP parking, and food coupons as part of their recognition.

Additional information about each recipient and their contributions to their local county fair is available from the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network upon request.

The Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network and Wyffels Hybrids congratulate all six recipients and thank them for their continued dedication to Iowa agriculture, youth development, and the success of their local communities.

About the Heart of the County Fair Award

The Heart of the County Fair Award is presented annually by the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network to recognize individuals and families whose service, leadership, and commitment help make Iowa county fairs successful and sustainable for future generations. The award celebrates the volunteers, advocates, mentors, and community leaders whose efforts often occur behind the scenes but whose impact is felt throughout Iowa’s fair system.

About the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network

The Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network provides trusted agricultural news, market information, and farm programming to audiences across Iowa, connecting farmers and rural communities with timely and relevant information.

About Wyffels Hybrids

Wyffels Hybrids is a family-owned seed company committed to helping farmers maximize yield potential through high-performing corn genetics, agronomic expertise, and local service.

Media Contact

Russell Parker 
Operations Manager 
Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network 
russ@iowaagribusinessradionetwork.com 

The Iowa State Fair is featured in "State Fairs: Growing American Craft," an exhibition on display at the Smithsonian's Renwick Gallery in Washington D.C. August 22, 2025-September 7, 2026. The exhibition is dedicated to artists' contributions to the great U.S. tradition of state fairs with more than 240 artworks on view, dating from the mid-nineteenth century to the present.

Learn more

Renovations and Improvements

Interested in learning about Iowa State Fairgrounds projects and renovations? Learn more about the Renovations and Improvements that are taking place on the Iowa State Fairgrounds.